Another opium prohibition mandate was issued last night. It says. that mandates ordering prohibition of opium traffic have repeatedly been issued. Apprehension is felt by the Central Government that, owing to local disturbances in remote regions, these mandates are of being fully enforced. Delegates have been sent out from Peking from time to time secretly, with the object of ascertaining the facts. Although official reports state that profit is being enforced, it is believed that a certain amount of poppy plantation, opium selling and smuggling is being carried on secretly.
"Since opium was first introduced into China this country has suffered bitterly from the use of this drug. Fortunately China can count on the assistance of other countries in endeavouring to free herself of evil, but if we fail to take advantage of the opportunity offered to effect positive prohibition how can we fulfil the expectations of friendly Powers? The local authorities, therefore, as their duties involved, must bear the fall responsibility "in this matter. They must instruct their subordinates accordingly and see that their orders are obeyed, throughout the areas under their control.
Prohibition must be carried out absolutely. If the local authorities fail to carry out this order, they will be punished and dismissed."—Reuter's Pacific Service. reports a rush among the Russia refugees to get passage to Harbin, which is farnished free. It is es mated that at least one third of the, number of refugees have left Peking. the question is written "in detail into the law of the land.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.